Reflections - Hopes for Hard Times

Brian Jakowski writes

The words of Psalm 23:4a have brought comfort to countless believers

…though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil…

However, with the implication that we will go through the valley of death, God’s comfort seems far off sometimes and begs the question, why must we struggle?

CS Lewis has this to say about life’s challenges,

“God allows us to experience the low points of life in order to teach
us lessons that we could learn in no other way.”

Spiritual growth through trials is a common theme in the New Testament. James 1:2–4 has this to say,

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that testing your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I’ve never found joy amid life’s trials, but I realize I’ve grown closer to God in those times. 1 Peter 5:10 gives us this encouragement,

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.

I taught my kids not to put their fingers in an electrical outlet, not to punish them, but because I loved them.

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? Hebrews 12:7

We have come full circle to Psalm 23:4b, which tells us,

…you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

When challenges arise, dwell on these verses and remember you are not abandoned.